Wikipedia can only speculate as to whether Hemingway gave his daughter the name "Margaux" in reference to the place or the winery. However, there can be little doubt that it is one of the most renowned, best and most expensive wine brands in the world.
Margaux has its roots in the 15th century and is one of four Grand Cru Classé Châteaux in the Médoc. Its vineyards, planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (75 %), Merlot (20 %), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, lean towards the Gironde.
Nutrient-poor gravel soils up to eleven metres deep force the vines to root deeply. They store the heat of the day and ensure optimum drainage. An extremely dense planting of 10,000 plants per hectare places additional demands on the organisms. To achieve this, up to 15,000 vines are replaced every year.
Little fertiliser is used in the vineyard - and when it is, it is natural. Since the 1980s, alternative, gentle methods of plant protection have been increasingly researched and applied.
Restrictive green harvesting has been common practice since 1986. Up to 50 % of the grapes are removed before they ripen (and change colour) in August. Even at this early stage, the grapes are precisely selected grape by grape and the vines are strengthened to ensure further optimal ripening and a higher concentration in the final grape material.
The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes, by parcel and grape variety. Naturally, selection is also carried out here. Both stainless steel tanks and wood are used for fermentation. All parameters, scenarios and methods are measured, analysed and evaluated by a development department. The wine is only separated from the marc several days after alcoholic fermentation has been completed. The "fat" and tannic pressed wine is produced from the pomace, which is used again in the assemblage.
After blending (Château Margaux, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux and a third wine), the wine matures for up to twenty-six months in oak barrels. One third of the barrels are produced in the in-house cooperage. The rest is bought in from Bordeaux and Cognac.
© Photos: Château Margaux, Artiste-Associé, Nigel Young
